Tag: LSU

Jan 2, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; Purdue Boilermakers linebacker OC Brothers (20) and Purdue Boilermakers safety Cam Allen (10) attempt to tackle LSU Tigers running back John Emery Jr. (4) during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

LSU RB John Emery (academics) out for start of spring practice

Posted on | by Field Level Media

LSU fifth-year running back John Emery missed the first day of spring practice on Thursday and won’t return until he meets academic requirements, coach Brian Kelly said.

A Louisiana native, Emery was a five-star prospect and ranked as the nation’s No. 2 running back — No. 13 overall recruit — in the 2019 class by the 247Sports composite. But he has failed to live up to expectations, largely because of academics.

Emery missed the 2021 season and the first two games of 2022 because of academic ineligibility.

“John is focused strictly right now on his academics,” Kelly said. “He’s got some marks that he has to hit from an academic standpoint before we talk about football with him. That was the deal with John and talking to his family. If his primary focus was academics and taking care of his degree, then we would have a conversation about football.”

Emery has appeared in 30 career games (five starts) and run for 941 yards with 13 touchdowns at LSU. He has caught 33 passes for 262 yards and two scores.

The Tigers enter spring practice undermanned at the position. Josh Williams and Armoni Goodwin are out with injuries, with Goodwin’s ailment expected to keep him out until preseason camp. Both players had their 2022 seasons cut short by knee injuries.

Noah Cain and freshman Trey Holly are the only available scholarship players, NOLA.com reported.

–Field Level Media

Jan 2, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) is presented with most valuable player trophy by Cheez-it mascot after the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

No gun charge for LSU WR Malik Nabers after arrest

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Prosecutors refused to bring a misdemeanor charge against LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers on the condition he surrender his firearm, court records show.

Nabers, 19, was arrested Monday night on Bourbon Street on a misdemeanor charge of illegal carrying of a weapon. He was booked early Tuesday morning and later released.

He was scheduled for a hearing later Tuesday but after agreeing to the terms, he was free to go.

WBRZ reported that Nabers was one of 15 people who had similar gun charges thrown out. New Orleans police said 156 guns were confiscated around the Mardi Gras parade routes.

Nabers caught 72 passes for 1,017 yards for LSU last season, both team highs. His receptions led the Southeastern Conference and his yards were second to Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt. Nabers added three touchdown receptions.

Nabers was named Citrus Bowl MVP after catching nine passes for 163 yards and a touchdown in LSU’s 63-7 win over Purdue. Nabers also threw for a TD.

–Field Level Media

Jan 2, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) rushes with the ball for a touchdown during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

LSU WR Malik Nabers arrested on weapons charge

Posted on | by Field Level Media

LSU sophomore Malik Nabers, one of the Southeastern Conference’s top wideouts in 2022, was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of illegally carrying of a weapon.

Multiple local outlets cited Orleans Parish jail records that show Nabers was arrested Monday night but not booked until early Tuesday morning.

There are conflicting reports, however, about whether Nabers was released on his own recognizance or if he has to appear before a magistrate for bond to be set. The charge carries a fine of not more than $500 or a jail term of six months if convicted.

LSU, aware of Nabers’ arrest, has yet to release a statement.

Nabers caught 72 passes for 1,017 yards for LSU last season, both team-highs. His receptions led the SEC and his yards were second. He added three touchdown receptions.

He was named Citrus Bowl MVP after catching nine passes for 163 yards and a touchdown in LSU’s 63-7 win over Purdue. Nabers also threw for a TD.

–Field Level Media

Sep 26, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots helmet during the game against New Orleans Saints during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Former Patriots RB Stevan Ridley arrested in Mississippi

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Former NFL and LSU running back Stevan Ridley was arrested early Sunday morning on a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge in his hometown of Natchez, Miss., according to The Natchez Democrat.

According to the publication, the 34-year-old Ridley was involved in an incident at a nightclub around 1 a.m. CT on Sunday. He was arrested and eventually released on $750 bond later Sunday.

Details of the incident haven’t been released.

Ridley played eight NFL seasons from 2011-18, including four with New England. He earned a Super Bowl ring as a member of the 2014 Patriots, who beat the Seattle Seahawks 28-24.

Ridley tore the ACL and MCL in his knee in mid-October and missed the Super Bowl.

Ridley’s best season was 2012, when he rushed for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns in his second campaign with New England. He rushed for 2,817 yards and 22 touchdowns in 52 career games (25 starts) with the Patriots.

Ridley bounced around over the next four seasons, playing for the New York Jets (2015), Atlanta Falcons (2016) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2017-18). He finished his NFL career with 3,102 rushing yards and 24 scores.

Ridley was a third-round draft pick by the Patriots in the 2011 NFL Draft after rushing for 1,147 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior at LSU in 2010. He played three seasons for the Tigers.

–Field Level Media

Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly prepares for the SEC Championship against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Audit: LSU overpaid Brian Kelly by $1M in 2022

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An audit conducted by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office revealed that LSU overpaid head coach Brian Kelly by more than $1 million in 2022.

The report, released Monday, found that Kelly was paid an extra $1,001,368 due to LSU making double payments to Kelly and his LLC in May and June of 2022.

Changes in terms to Kelly’s original $10-year, $95 million deal in April 2022 resulted in the overpayment.

“In May 2022, LSU began making supplemental payments to the coach’s LLC,” the report read. “However, LSU also erroneously continued to make supplemental payments to the coach directly, thereby resulting in monthly double payments until LSU management detected it in November 2022.”

LSU will eventually recoup the money.

“LSU management and the head football coach have enacted an adjusted payment schedule so the amount of overpayment will be recouped by the conclusion of fiscal year 2023,” the report stated.

Kelly led LSU to a 10-4 record in Year 1, culminating with a 63-7 win over Purdue in the Citrus Bowl.

–Field Level Media

Jan 2, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Noah Cain (21) rushes for a touchdown during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

No. 17 LSU pounds Purdue 63-7 in Citrus Bowl blowout

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Noah Cain ran for two touchdowns, Garrett Nussmeier came off the bench to throw two touchdown passes and No. 17 LSU routed Purdue 63-7 in the Citrus Bowl on Monday in Orlando, Fla.

Jayden Daniels passed for 139 yards and a touchdown in addition to catching a touchdown pass from wideout Malik Nabers, who had nine catches for 163 yards and a touchdown. John Emery Jr. and Derrick Davis Jr. each had a touchdown run and Mason Taylor and Brian Thomas Jr. each added a touchdown catch for the Tigers (10-4).

Both teams played without several key players who opted out and Purdue (8-6) was especially hampered by the absence of quarterback Aidan O’Connell, receiver Charlie Jones and tight end Payne Durham.

Austin Burton replaced O’Connell and completed 12 of 24 passes for 74 yards with an interception before being replaced by Michael Alaimo, whose 16-yard touchdown pass to TJ Sheffield in the fourth quarter produced the Boilermakers’ points.

LSU scored touchdowns on five consecutive first-half possessions and increased its lead to 42-0 on its first possession of the third quarter when Nabers threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Daniels.

Nabers grabbed a shovel pass from Nussmeier and sprinted 75 yards for a touchdown and a 49-0 lead at the end of the period.

Alaimo’s touchdown pass came on the second play of the fourth quarter and was followed by Davis’ 12-yard run and Quad Wilson’s 99-yard interception return that completed the scoring with 40 seconds remaining.

That enabled the Tigers to tie the school record for points in a postseason game, set against Oklahoma in a 2019 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl.

Emery ran 1 yard for a touchdown and Cain’s 9-yard run gave the Tigers a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Daniels threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Taylor early in the second quarter to produce a 21-0 lead.

Cain ran 9 yards for a score and LSU made it five consecutive possessions that produced TDs when Nussmeier threw a 10-yard pass to Thomas for a 35-0 halftime lead.

–Field Level Media

Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (7) carries the ball for a receiving touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter of the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

LSU WR Kayshon Boutte declares for draft in reversal

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LSU wideout Kayshon Boutte changed his mind on Wednesday and declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.

It capped a whirlwind day for the Citrus Bowl-bound Tigers. Head coach Brian Kelly announced earlier in the day that Boutte wouldn’t be available to play in Monday’s bowl game against Purdue but didn’t provide a reason.

Boutte took to social media Wednesday night with his new intentions, reversing course from his Dec. 5 announcement that he would return to LSU in 2023.

“After careful thoughts and consideration, I will be declaring for the 2023 NFL DRAFT,” Boutte posted to Twitter.

Kelly later posted to Twitter, saying he supports “Kayshon and his decision.”

ESPN rates Boutte the fifth-best wide receiver in the draft.

Boutte caught five touchdowns as a freshman in 2020 and grabbed nine in just six games in 2021. His numbers leveled out a bit this season, when he had 48 receptions for 538 yards and two touchdowns.

In three collegiate seasons, Boutte has 131 catches for 1,782 yards and 16 touchdowns in 37 games.

No. 17 LSU (9-4, 6-2 SEC) won the SEC West and lost to No. 1 Georgia in the conference title game in its first season under Kelly.

–Field Level Media

Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly reacts towards the fans after being defeated by the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Without best players, No. 17 LSU, Purdue look to adjust in Citrus Bowl

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Brian Kelly understands Ryan Walters’ situation.

It was just over a year ago that Kelly had just been hired as LSU head coach and watched a depleted team that he was about to take over lose to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl.

Now Kelly’s No. 17 Tigers are the opponent for the recently hired Walters and a depleted Purdue team in the Citrus Bowl on Monday in Orlando, Fla.

Kelly watched offensive line coach Brad Davis serve as interim head coach and coach a team with just 38 scholarship players and a wide receiver playing quarterback in the 42-20 loss to the Wildcats.

Purdue (8-5) has seen several key players opt out as Walters ascends from Illinois defensive coordinator to succeed Jeff Brohm, who left to become head coach at Louisville.

“They’re playing LSU and they’re going to play hard,” Kelly said of the Boilermakers. “They’re going to play for four quarters. They’re a Big Ten team. They’ve got scholarship players.”

Kelly hasn’t avoided key departures this season either. LSU (9-4) will be without starting defensive linemen BJ Ojulari, Ali Gaye and Jaquelin Roy, who have opted out to focus on the NFL Draft, as well as a handful of players who have entered the transfer portal.

“Our focus has been much more on what we do and how we do it, and our preparation, more so than really concerning ourselves with what Purdue’s situation is,” Kelly said.

Purdue’s situation has Walters mostly watching bowl preparations just as Kelly did last January. The Boilermakers will be coached by Brohm’s younger brother Brian before he leaves to become offensive coordinator at Louisville. Three other assistants already have moved on to Louisville.

“It provides opportunities for other guys to show up and show everybody what they’ve got,” Brian Brohm said. “This is the Citrus Bowl, ranked opponent, SEC, played in SEC championship game.

“The ones that have been playing are excited to have this opportunity. The guys that might get a bigger role because somebody else stepped away, they’re chomping at the bit to show what they can do.”

Boilermakers quarterback Aidan O’Connell, record-setting receiver Charlie Jones, tight end Payne Durham and defensive leaders in cornerback Cory Trice and linebacker Jalen Graham opted out of the game to prepare for the NFL Draft.

Jones and Durham were First-Team All-Big Ten selections, and O’Connell was a second-team selection.

Austin Burton will make his second start of the season at quarterback. He completed 21 of 29 passes for 166 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in a 28-26 win over FAU on Sept. 24. Michael Alaimo will be the backup quarterback.

Former New Orleans Saints star quarterback Drew Brees has temporarily returned to his alma mater to prepare the quarterbacks for the bowl game.

“He’s (Burton) chomping at the bit to get out there and lead these guys,” Brian Brohm said of Burton. “I anticipate trying to get (Alaimo) in the game in some form or fashion.”

This is the first time LSU and Purdue have played each other in a football game.

–Field Level Media

Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (7) carries the ball for a receiving touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter of the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Star WR Kayshon Boutte passing over draft, returning to LSU

Posted on | by Field Level Media

LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is putting his pro aspirations on hold and returning for another season of college football.

Boutte was considered among the best receivers eligible for next April’s NFL draft.

Boutte made the announcement in a social media post Monday evening.

“The goal is always to win a national championship at LSU and that will never change,” Boutte wrote. “We made strides this year but ultimately fell short. That is why I believe we can accomplish many things moving forward. I believe in this team, coaches, strength staff, nutrition staff and training staff.

“It is important to follow your dreams and live with the results. While some stories will end here, mine will not.”

Boutte caught five touchdowns as a freshman in 2020 and grabbed nine in just six games in 2021. His numbers leveled out a bit this season, when he grabbed 48 receptions for 538 yards and two touchdowns.

In three collegiate seasons, Boutte has 131 catches for 1,782 yards and 16 touchdowns in 37 games.

No. 17 LSU (9-4, 6-2 SEC) won the SEC West and lost to No. 1 Georgia in the conference title game in its first season under coach Brian Kelly. The Tigers are scheduled to play in the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 2 against Purdue.

–Field Level Media

Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) tackles LSU Tigers running back Josh Williams (27) as defensive lineman Bear Alexander (99) pursues the play during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1 Georgia takes command for SEC title over LSU

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Stetson Bennett passed for 274 yards and four touchdowns and No. 1 Georgia rolled past No. 14 LSU 50-30 in the SEC Championship Game on Saturday in Atlanta.

Bennett finished 23 of 29 and threw four touchdown passes as the defending national champion Bulldogs (13-0) took command.

Kenny McIntosh ran for two second-half touchdowns as they kept the Tigers (9-4) at bay and seemingly certainly wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff pairings that will be announced Sunday.

Jayden Daniels passed for 208 yards with one touchdown and one interception, but he did not play in the second half because of a leg injury.

Garrett Nussmeier replaced Daniels and threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Malik Nabers on LSU’s first possession of the third quarter to trim Georgia’s lead to 35-17. Nussmeier finished 15 of 27 for 294 yards and two touchdowns.

McIntosh ran two yards for a touchdown and Noah Cain answered with a one-yard touchdown run, leaving Georgia with a 42-23 lead at the end of the third quarter.

McIntosh ran eight yards to make the score 50-23 before Nussmeier threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Jaray Jenkins.

On LSU’s second possession, Nazir Stackhouse blocked Damian Ramos’ 32-yard field goal and the ball rolled inside the 5-yard line. Georgia’s Christopher Smith approached and when he saw that the Tigers had given up on the play, he gathered possession and ran 96 yards for a touchdown.

On the ensuing possession, Daniels threw a 53-yard touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte, but Bennett responded with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Brock Bowers for a 14-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.

On the first play of the second quarter, Daniels’ pass was deflected twice before being intercepted by Smael Mondon Jr. On the next play Bennett connected with Ladd McConkey for a 22-yard touchdown and a 21-7 lead.

Bennett threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Darnell Washington and a three-yarder to Dillon Bell before Ramos’ 42-yard field goal left the Bulldogs with a 35-10 halftime lead.

–Field Level Media